THE 18-year-old winger has been in sensational form for the Dons, but boss Craig Brown has warned against a premature move down south.

ABERDEEN are facing a fight to keep Ryan Fraser as clubs in England gear up to make a swoop for the talented winger.

Premier League sides Wigan and Swansea, plus Burnley and Huddersfield of the Championship, have been monitoring the 18-year-old’s stunning form for the Dons on a weekly basis.

Pittodrie youth graduate Fraser, rated the best talent to emerge at the club in years, is out of contract in the summer and free to talk to other clubs next month.

Aberdeen have tabled a lucrative new deal but his representatives know there is much more on offer south of the border.

However, Craig Brown has warned his protege not to risk his career with a premature move to England and urged him to look at Chris Maguire, Fraser Fyvie and Jack Grimmer who failed to make any impact after leaving.

The Dons manager, who insists Fraser should develop his career at his hometown team before considering any move, is still waiting for the player to make a decision on his future.

Aberdeen’s offer is their final one to Fraser and Brown said: “We’re confident Ryan will choose to stay but it’s now up to him.”

There was better news for the Dons boss with Republic of Ireland youth defender Joe Shaughnessy, 20, agreeing a two-year contract, following teens Declan McManus and Cammy Smith in committing his future to the club.

Brown, who is also hoping to convince Gary Naysmith and Stephen Hughes to stay on until the summer at least, said: “Joe has signed another contract for two years which is great for the club.

“He has done really well in the games he has been involved in this season and now I expect him to push on.”